§ Mr. BlairTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to set up by no later than 31 December 1992 a comprehensive and effective framework of sector training organisations.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Government welcome the continuing support by employers throughout most of industry and commerce for employer-led industry training organisations (ITOs). These bodies have the lead role in establishing occupational standards and monitoring key skill requirements in their sectors. There are currently some 117 industry training organisations, estimated to cover over 80 per cent. of the civilian working population. Employers in a number of other sectors are in the process of establishing their own arrangements. In recent years most ITOs have received financial support to help them develop their effectiveness, particularly in the areas of standard setting and future skill requirements.
The Government have welcomed the establishment of the voluntary National Council of Industry Training Organisations (NCITO) which includes in its aims the bringing of all such organisations up to the standard set by the best. The Training Agency continues to provide initial financial assistance to NCITO to develop a code of practice for ITOs and to draw up a database about their activities and services.